And woke up having dreamt of her, once again.

His dreams put his temper out of whack and, annoyed with himself, he spent the day frazzled and off-kilter. Which didn’t help his meeting with Auggie later that evening.

Xavier stared at her. “He did what?”

Auggie shushed him. “Would you stop? Mom told me this in confidence. You know she seems to know everyone in this freaking city. Keep it down, moron.”

“You just said Big Henry kissed her. On the first date?” Xavier was incensed.

“Oh my God. She’s not a virgin, Xav.” Auggie rolled her eyes. “Besides, she said it was like kissing a plunger, all wet, rubbery, and slobbery. But I never told you that, because she confided in me on the pain of death.”

He twisted an invisible key across his lips then ruined it by talking again. “Sealed. But Auggie, you suggested they go out. Did he make moves on her as soon as he showed up or what?” As much as he didn’t want details, he needed them. His poor mother.

“They did go out. And they had fun at dinner. She said she wished they could have ignored the movie and talked more, but you know, ‘Big Henry ain’t about talkin’.’” She mimicked the man perfectly. “Don’t look at me that way. He’s a respectful guy and good looking. You should see what he benches.”

“I don’t care what he benches, so long as he’s not benching Mom,” he muttered.

She laughed like a loon. “Oh, relax. Mom had a nice time. If Big Henry hadn’t shown what a bad kisser and talker he was, they’d probably go out again. But she told me one date was enough.”

“Oh, so it’s my turn, then, eh?”

“I guess.” Auggie looked glum.

“My friend Lee’s been divorced for five years. No kids. A really nice guy and I think he’s close to Mom’s age, maybe a few years younger.”

She winced. “A shrink?”

“A damn good one. He helped Gavin out.”

Auggie brightened. “Oh, okay then.” She slugged him in the arm before he could dodge her.

“Ow. What was that for?” His sister hit like a heavyweight champ.

“For talking about me. Gavin told me you were checking up on me. Quit it.”

“Hey, I’m allowed to look out for my little sister.”

“Would you stop that?” She sounded exasperated. “We’re twins.”

“Five—”

“—minute’s difference means nothing.”

“I...” He trailed off, surprised to see Justine walking into the coffee shop, her clothes business casual. As usual, she looked gorgeous. Lively, pretty, yet tired. Today she wore her hair up in a ponytail and looked a few years younger because of it.

Auggie followed his gaze. “Well, well. Who’s that?”

Xavier whipped his head back around, saw his sister’s calculating stare, and knew it would be better to get it over with. “My new neighbor.” He waved to Justine. “Hey, come join us if you’re not busy.”

She nodded and waved then stepped to the counter to order something.